Crocuses. A Complete Guide to the Genus. 2011. 307 col. pls. figs. 216 p. gr8vo. Hardcover.

Winsome, charming, and brilliant are just three of the adjectives that crocuses typically elicit from grateful, colour-starved gardeners. Indeed, few flowers can rival crocuses for the cheer they bring to the barren, late-winter garden and for the affection in which they are held by millions of gardeners. But though theyre viewed as an icon of early spring, crocuses arent just one-season wonders: there are also dozens of striking autumn-blooming species that appear just when theyre most needed, as summers summer irrigation has been reduced or eliminated. The author surveys all the known species in this remarkable genus and is able to offer valuable insights into how they may best be grown. He also discusses their use in the garden, their botanical characteristics, and classification, all in nonspecialist language so that even readers without a botanical background can profit by his knowledge and broad experience.